The morphological study of pollen is generally achieved mainly through direct observation of the structure of plant pollen by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, which has greatly impacted modern plant taxonomy and contributed positively to geology development. Analysis of pollen morphology and structure reveal the phylogenetic history of plants and reflects the adaptive characteristics of plants adapted to different media of pollination. By observing the morphological characteristics of pollen, we can understand the diversity of pollen morphological structures and their adaptations to pollination, learn to correctly describe the morphological characteristics of pollen, and master the method of pollen production. On this basis, we will recognize and study the morphological characteristics of pollen, and its role in plant taxonomy, geology, and plant systematics.

What We Offer

Lifeasible offers you the opportunity to observe and analyze pollen morphology based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results of this analysis will be detailed in the following aspects.

1. Identification of basic pollen categories

• When pollen grains are present alone at maturity, they are called single pollen grains. The majority of plant pollen belongs to this order.
• When two or more pollen grains are grouped, they are called composite pollen. Depending on the number of pollen grains that make up the pollen, 2, 4, 16, or 32 are formed.

2. Analysis of the symmetry of pollen

Very few pollens are asymmetrical, and most are symmetrical. There are two different kinds of symmetry: radial and right-left.

3. Pollen polarity analysis

The line leading outwards from the center of the tetrad through the centre of the pollen grain is the pollen's polar axis, and the line perpendicular to the polar axis is the equatorial axis.

• Some pollen grains do not show polarity and are called apolar pollen.
• Among the pollen with polarity, there are three pollen types: isopolar, subisopolar, and heteropolar.

4. Analysis of the germination pore

The germination pore is an opening in the outer wall of the pollen, usually where the pollen tube sticks out when the pollen germinates. Most pollen grains have germination pores. There are two general types of germination pores.

• The copus is the long germination pore, which has a long axis more than twice as long as the short axis.
• The porus is a short germination pore, the long axis less than twice the short axis.

5. Analysis of the structure of the outer wall of pollen

The pattern formed by the sculpted subdivisions of the pollen surface is known as sculpture, and the pattern formed in the outer layer by the different distribution of the columnar rods is known as texture.

• The types of sculpture can be classified as granular sculpture, slip sculpture, striated macropattern, bar sculpture, prickly sculpture, brain macropattern, net sculpture, negative net sculpture, etc.

Service Flow

Sample Requirements

• Fresh flowers or waxy leaf specimens, >5g;
• Pollen from fresh flowers or waxy leaf specimens from different families, >1g.

*For samples used for plant cultivation, please consult our staff to determine the sample conditions and dosage.

*The experimental samples will not be returned; please back them up by yourself. Before sampling, it is necessary to set up the control and experimental groups, and each group is suggested to repeat more than 3 times.

*Quick-frozen preservation with liquid nitrogen can minimize the leakage time of plant samples at room temperature.

*There is no restriction on plant varieties. For varieties with special requirements or rare varieties, please contact our staff for more information.

We Do Better

• There are no restrictions on plant species, and pollen from different families can be analyzed in Lifeasible.
• Detailed and comprehensive pollen morphology results, including SEM images and morphological analysis test results.
• Professional and experienced botanists are involved throughout the process to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.
• The standardized pollen morphology process allows for efficient and short turnaround times.

Lifeasible, a comprehensive phytotechnology company, provides accurate testing and analysis services related to plant pollen using various methods. Professionalism and efficiency have always been our service motto, and we take pride in solving various problems in your project research. If you have a related service need, please contact our technical support staff to discuss customized service.

*If your organization requires the signing of a confidentiality agreement, please contact us by email.

For research or industrial use.

Related Services

• Pollen Viability Testing Service
• Pollen Category Identification Service
• Pollen Analysis Service
• Airborne Pollen Abundance Testing Service
• Pollen Allergy lgE Testing Service
• Pollen Composition Testing Service